How to Apply Diatomaceous Earth to Your Animal

In search of a natural pest control that is safe to use on and around animals, many people have come across food grade diatomaceous earth.

The product is composed of tiny organisms known as diatoms which have the ability to lacerate the exoskeletons of various types of insects and kill them through dehydration.

In the event of an infestation of fleas or mites it is important not only to treat the animal themselves but also the environment. While it can be quite simple to distribute powdery diatomaceous earth around your home, yard and garden, dusting the same product in to the fur or feathers of your animal can be a much bigger feat.

Here are some clever suggestions that have been recommended to us in order to make this an easier task.

Salt shaker method:

Fill an empty salt shaker with diatomaceous earth and shake the powder on to your animal. Dust the fine layer of DE in to your animal’s fur or feathers with your hands.

Cosmetic powder puff method:

Fill a cup, bowl or other container with food grade diatomaceous earth. Dip the powder puff in to the DE and use it to spread the product over your animal’s body. (Note: do not powder the DE on like makeup, as this will create a lot of dust.) Dust the layer of DE in to the animal’s fur or feathers with your hands.

For use with fleas, it is important to pay close attention to the animal’s backbone, thoroughly dusting the DE in to this area of the fur.

Image by katleneniven